What is the meaning of John 11:46? But some of them • The “some” are part of the crowd that had just watched Jesus call Lazarus out of the tomb (John 11:45). • Their reaction contrasts sharply with those who “believed in Him,” showing how a single divine act can divide observers (John 9:16; 12:37). • Scripture repeatedly records mixed responses to God’s works—think of the healed ten lepers where only one returned to thank Jesus (Luke 17:15-18). The verse reminds us that physical evidence alone does not guarantee faith. went to the Pharisees • Rather than pondering the miracle, these witnesses hurry to the religious authorities who are already plotting against Jesus (John 11:53, 57). • Similar informant behavior appears when the healed blind man is brought to the Pharisees (John 9:13) and when temple guards report Jesus’ words (John 7:32, 45-46). • This movement toward the power center highlights mounting tension: each revelation of Jesus’ authority forces Israel’s leaders either to submit or to resist (John 12:19). and told them • The verb suggests deliberate, perhaps anxious reporting. These people feel compelled to relay everything—much like the man healed at Bethesda who “went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well” (John 5:15). • Motives could include: – Fear of being expelled from the synagogue (John 9:22) – Desire for approval from influential leaders (John 12:42-43) – Open hostility toward Jesus (John 15:24-25) • Ironically, their report only spreads the news of the miracle further, paralleling the guards who later inform authorities of the empty tomb (Matthew 28:11-15). what Jesus had done • The content of their message is nothing less than resurrection power: “He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’” (John 11:43). • Every sign in John points to Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:30-31), and this climactic sign unmistakably declares His authority over death itself (John 5:25-29). • Previous signs—turning water into wine (John 2:11), healing the official’s son (John 4:50-53), feeding the five thousand (John 6:11-14)—all build toward this moment, making the leaders’ rejection even more striking (John 12:10-11). summary John 11:46 exposes the human heart in the face of undeniable divine power. Rather than embracing the One who raises the dead, “some” rush to protect their religious system, carrying news of the miracle straight to the Pharisees. Their choice illustrates the sobering truth that witnessing Jesus’ works demands a response; neutrality is impossible. Faith welcomes the Light, while unbelief seeks to extinguish it—even as the very act of opposition broadcasts His glory. |
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